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My “breastfeeding station” is really just a spot on the couch (that’s beginning to get a little indented…) with my boppy, a couple pillows, and a little blue basket I bought from the dollar store stuffed full of everything I could ever need or want at an arm’s length.

I’ve seen a lot of posts about breastfeeding stations and what each woman recommends keeping nearby. This is my list of ultimate must-haves. Trust me, you won’t want to sit down to feed your little one without these things!

Boppy

I’m sure you’ve seen them. They’re those little half circle looking pillows that nursing mamas can hook around their waist to help them support baby while they feed.

And they are amazing!

I’ve nursed with my boppy and without it (trying to practice for those out in public feedings) and let me tell you, the boppy seriously makes things SO much easier. They come with cute little interchangeable covers which is a good thing… because spit up.

Water Bottle

This is something you absolutely will want to have with you when breastfeeding. For one, you’re supposed to drink a TON of water while nursing your baby. And for another, you’re going to be sitting in one place for 30 minutes! You’re going to get thirsty.

I recommend getting one with one of those “one-handed-pop-open-button-things.” That way, you don’t have to juggle your little one on your lap (or pillow or boppy) while you twist off a water bottle lid. Want to get something extra useful? Pick up one with measurements on it. That way you can keep track of how much water you’re drinking!

Nipple Cream

You will want to keep this nectar from the gods nearby. Trust me. I’ve used both lanolin and this Organic Nipple Butter. While I haven’t found one to work better overly than the other, I personally prefer the Nipple Butter simply because I know that it won’t hurt my baby or my body. Also, it’s not sticky!

Note: I also have a homemade nipple cream my lactation consultant recommended for my very cracked and damaged nipples. I’ll be writing a post about this soon, so be on the lookout!

Nursing Pads

I have a handful of disposable nursing pads in my breastfeeding station basket. Honestly, these were given to me by a friend. They’re seriously great and super easy to use.

For myself, though, I chose to use reusable nursing pads. They’re comfy, easy to clean, and (my personal favorite) I only had to buy them once!

I keep the disposable ones in my basket, though, in case I need one and my bamboo (not like, crunchy, uncomfortable bamboo) reusable ones aren’t around. Either way, you can keep disposable or reusable at your station. You will want them!

Bulb Syringe

I got a bunch of these from the hospital. So, be sure to ask for some before you leave. If you didn’t, don’t worry. I’m including link for where you can get them.

The reason I keep one of these at my breastfeeding station? I’m terrified of my baby girl choking, and having one of these little guys nearby ensures that I’m prepared just in case she does. It’s also good for sucking little boogers out of her nose when I’m trying to wake her up before (or in the middle of) a feeding.

D Drops and Probiotics

Both of these were given to us by the pediatrician. You will more than likely be given the D Drops, since little babies don’t spend too much time out in the sun. The probiotics were recommended because Baby Girl is a little gassy.

I like to keep these at my station so I can give them to her either while feeding (a drop on the nipple is one of the recommended ways to administer them) or right after (with a drop on my finger).

Burp Cloth

This one is pretty self-explanatory… But, it’s definitely still worth noting since it’s the one thing you’ll be desperately grabbing for when your baby spits up all over your shoulder.

I’m still learning to put the burp cloth on my shoulder before burping her… You would think getting spit up on a couple times would drill that into my head, but no! I’m going to blame the lack of sleep…

Emery Board

As I said when I mentioned the bulb syringe, sometimes I need to get baby to wake up before I feed her. Sometimes, I have to wake her up half way through her feeding (she’s becoming a more efficient eater but she’s still a sleepy eater and will fall asleep if it’s early in the morning or late at night and not get a full feed). Well, filing her little nails a little bit usually helps! AND it crosses one thing off my to-do list, since it seems like her nails are growing on overdrive and need to be filed constantly.

Baby book, flashcards, and a toy

These things I don’t necessarily use while breastfeeding. But, I do like to have them nearby because after feeding her during the day, I want to keep her awake (we’re trying the Babywise method–more on this in a future post, promise!). So, playing with some of these things helps to keep her stimulated.

Extras

These are some extra things I keep or have kept at my station, and a something that another mama told me she keep at hers.

Nipple Shield- Because “Ouch!”

I had to use a nipple shield at the beginning of my breastfeeding experience. Even though I don’t use it anymore, I still keep it at my station just in case I need it. This way, I’ll for sure know where it is.

Hairbrush- Not in a creep way…

I just love to brush my little girl’s hair while I feed her… Not in a creepy way. Okay, maybe in a creepy way. Anyway… it’s there.

Headphones- Handsfree calling!

I use my headphones at my station to make phone calls. I can’t hold a phone to my ear while I’m feeding her. At least, I can’t do it very well. Enter the headphones! Problem solved!

Charger- Juice up while baby fills up

This was a recommendation from a friend that I think is definitely worth mentioning. You spend a lot of time sitting in one place. You’re going to be on your phone (don’t feel guilty about it- said the mom that sometimes feels guilty about it). Your phone is going to die. Keep a little charger on hand to make sure you can juice up while your baby fills up!

5 thoughts on “What I Keep at my Breastfeeding Station (And Why You Should, Too)”

I always kept some granola bars or trail mix because I was always hungry it seemed. It was something quick and easy I could munch on. I have the same problem with my couch. My cushions are worn out from the countless hours of nursing spent sitting there. In the beginning it felt like I never left the couch.

Except the nursing pads, I had pretty much everything that you mentioned in the list. A very useful post for all new moms. It took me some time to remember that a water bottle was a must while breastfeeding ‘coz I got parched while feeding my baby. I also didn’t have the handsfree and charger near me, my husband & mom didn’t let me use the phone while BFng (rolling my eyes). Do share it to all moms out there!

Thank you for your comment! I’m so glad you think this post is useful. =) It took me a while (and a lot of my husband running back and forth bringing me things) to figure out what I need to keep nearby when breastfeeding. Hopefully this post will save some women (and their partners) some time!